Work is now underway on two reservoirs – expected to hold up to 100ML – as part of the $983 million Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline project.
Located at the southern section of the pipeline, the reservoirs are designed to feed Gladstone Area Water Board’s (GAWB) existing water network.
The 117km pipeline is set to run from the Fitzroy River near Rockhampton and connect to Gladstone Area Water Board’s existing water network at Yarwun.
The Queensland Government said the project has supported 400 jobs during peak construction and 25 apprenticeships.
Local content has been central to the project, with GAWB using 111 Central Queensland businesses, generating more jobs in the region.
The Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline is expected to be operational in 2026, weather and construction conditions permitting.
The Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline is part of a $5.8 billion investment in water infrastructure from the Queensland Government.
Part of the investment also included delivery of the Rookwood Weir, which the government said made this pipeline possible.
Queensland Minister for Water and Member for Gladstone, Glenn Butcher, said, “Working alongside our Rookwood Weir, the biggest weir since World War Two, the Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline will deliver long-term water security to the Gladstone region. Further proof that the Queensland Government and the Big Build are continuing to deliver for Central Queensland.
“The Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline isn’t just bringing water security to Gladstone, it will unlock more jobs in emerging industries like hydrogen and critical minerals.
“There are 111 local businesses helping the construction effort. That’s more local jobs and more supplier opportunities right across Central Queensland thanks to this important Big Build project.
“Instead of talking up our new industries, talking up Rookwood weir and the Pipeline, all Colin Boyce and Michelle Landry can muster is talking down our Jobs and Energy Plan. They don’t believe in good, secure jobs and growing our industries.
“The proof is in the pudding. Thousands of jobs in Central Queensland thanks to the Queensland Government, with more to come thanks to our $62 billion Energy and Jobs Plan,” Mr Butcher said.
GAWB Chief Executive Officer, Darren Barlow, said, “It is fantastic to see the progress at the Aldoga Reservoirs site, following three months of preparative works, which included the removal of more than 65,700 cubic metres of earth.
“Each reservoir is approximately 76m wide, which is more than the width of a rugby field, so it has certainly been a massive job for the team.
“Our Principal Contractors, McConnell Dowell BMD Joint Venture, are currently 43 per cent of the way through total construction, with more than 44km of pipe laid to date.
“The team also recently celebrated the finalisation of roadworks on Laurel Bank and Ski Gardens Roads and the trenchless crossings at the Capricorn Highway.
“We are committed to keeping local communities informed about ongoing works and will be hosting a series of community information sessions in Gracemere, Alton Downs and Yarwun over the coming months,” Mr Barlow said.
Schwarz Excavations General Manager, Jeffrey Schwarz, said, “The Fitzroy to Gladstone pipeline certainly is a good project to be part of. Schwarz Excavations has been working on the project since April 2023. This is a big project for water security and future industries, so it is really exciting for our business.
“We are proudly based in Gracemere and employ more than 100 Central Queenslanders. With up to 60 people and 35 machines working on the Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline project at any given time,” Mr Schwarz said.
Image credit: Tammy27/Shutterstock.com.
